The Division of Chlothar I’s Kingdom (561…
568 CE
The Division of Chlothar I’s Kingdom (561 CE) and the Rise of Frankish Rivalries
Following the death of Chlothar I in 561 CE, the Frankish kingdom is divided among his four sons, in accordance with Frankish succession customs. This division leads to territorial fragmentation and growing rivalries, particularly between Sigebert I of Austrasia and Chilperic I of Neustria.
1. The Division of the Frankish Kingdom
Each of Chlothar’s sons inherits a portion of his vast realm:
-
Sigebert I (Austrasia, Capital: Reims → Metz)
- Inherits northeastern Gaul, including the Rhine frontier.
- Gains additional territory in 567/568 after the death of his brother Charibert.
- Later moves his capital to Metz due to Avar incursions.
-
Charibert I (Paris, Capital: Paris)
- Rules a kingdom centered on Paris.
- Gains the Lower Loire Valley and Aquitaine Basin.
- His death in 567/568 leads to the redistribution of his territory among his brothers.
-
Guntram (Burgundy, Capital: Orléans)
- Receives eastern Orléans and Burgundy, forming a buffer state between Austrasia and Neustria.
-
Chilperic I (Neustria, Capital: Soissons)
- Initially controls Soissons, later expanded to include Neustria after receiving part of Charibert’s kingdom.
- Becomes the most powerful ruler, controlling the Lower Seine region and the English Channel coast.
Locations
Groups
Franks
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Goths (East Germanic tribe)
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Visigothic Kingdom of Spain
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Soissons (eventually Neustria), Frankish Kingdom of
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Paris, Frankish Kingdom of
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Orléans (eventually Burgundy), Frankish Kingdom of
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Aquitaine, (Frankish) Duchy of
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Reims and Metz (eventually Austrasia), Frankish Kingdom of
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Avar Khaganate (Eurasian Avars)
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